There are two carriers in the Beco range and I have been lucky enough to try them both. Running the sling library has its benefits. Although by the same company they are very different slings and won’t necessarily suit you. Visually the Butterfly is less padded and the Beco Gemini is more akin to a mainstream carrier. Both however have a fantastic choice of colours and prints to choose from. I am going to review them separately but there may be some cross over between them.

My first experience Beco carriers was the Beco Butterfly II. I was attracted to it because I was nervous of back carrying and the idea of an internal harness appealed to me. To put the Beco Butterfly on you put the carrier on with the chest strap closed and place over your head. I don’t normally like chest straps when front carrying because it means reaching behind you to do it up but doing it up first takes this bit out. You then undo the safety clips to place baby in the sling. The nature of the clips means you cannot undo them accidently although it can be a little fiddly until you have got used to them. In order to switch to a back carry you undo the chest strap, take your arns out and hold straps in one had and hip scoot baby round, they remain in the sling. Again a little confidence boost for nervous back carriers. This sling is again suitable from birth (7.5lb) and has a removable insert included which is used until baby reaches 15lb. It is designed to boost baby so they are higher in the carrier. Again it takes practise but does its job. When no longer needed it can be easily removed. Although suitable to 45lb the Butterfly is quite narrow and will not remain knee to knee. I am also not sure how easy it would be to put a toddler in. H had a strop when I tried. Overall a lovely carrier that is good for nervous sling users. As it is a soft structured carrier it provides a nice level of support for both wearer and baby. My only warning is ensure you buy from a registered seller, as like the Ergo baby carrier the Beco Butterfly has been subject to counterfeiting. The UK distributor is www.slumber-roo.co.uk and the Beco website has an excellent explanation of what to look of for in a fake (http://www.becobabycarrier.co.uk/counterfeit.asp).

Beco Gemini

The newest sling in the Beco range is the Gemini. It is a 4 in 1 carrier and will appeal to parents who had previously been looking at mainstream carriers, especially as it has a forward facing option. Although I do not personally advocate Forward Facing Out it is an option which many parents want and therefore I would prefer to suggest this sling over other makes.Unlike the Buttefly the Gemini does not have straps stitched into the body of the carrier and thus it is possible to cross the straps for a front carry. I find the padded straps very comfortable and in my opinion have just the right amount of padding. There is also no need for an infant insert with this carrier and the design of the sling means it is possible to narrow the base with poppers. The popper system also allows you to adjust the position for the forward facing position. The Gemini can also be worn on the wearers back and hip meaning you do get a lot of sling options for your money. The Gemini has a lower weight limit than the Butterfly (35lb) but like the Butterfly does make use of the safety buckles to prevent accidental release. If the ‘fall asleep test’ is anything to go by then it passes, Isaac was asleep within 5minutes and stayed that way for over 90minutes and I didn’t know he was there it was so comfortable.

Features of Beco Gemini, www.becobabycarrier.co.uk

If I was to buy only one of these slings I would opt for the Beco Butterfly as I feel it has more longevity. When I asked library users what they thought of the slings they said:

§ Louise M : “I really liked my gemini, great for front and back carries. Very easy to adjust once on. Baby was always comfortable in it.”§ Sarah T: “Beco Butterfly was great for front and back carries; really comfy with a 17month old toddler”§ Helen L: “Beco Gemini - loved it when he was younger, the comfiest carrier I've had, spread the weight really well, no steep learning curve, could wear him for hours with no problems. Controversially, I enjoyed having the option of facing him out”en he was at the awkward stage when he wanted to see the world and couldn't turn his head far enough to see out. I didn't do it for long periods of time to avoid overstimulation, but it was comfy enough for both of us and never upset him. When he got a bit older he could turn around from facing in if he wanted and then I didn't bother with facing out. The adjustable base was useful. Downsides - back carry instructions too complicated for beginners, involving hip scoot, and it didn't last long enough. It stopped being knee to knee about 10 months and wasn't as comfy for either of us

What are the differences between the Beco Butterfly 2 and the Beco Gemini? (from www.becobabycarrier.com)They are several differences in the two. Here is a short list.

Butterfly 2

Separate hood (attaches with snaps) that protects even taller babies from sun, wind, rain or just gives a little privacy for a nap

Removable infant insert, which can be used for even premature babies and on up to about 15 lbs

Internal y-shaped panel that goes between baby and wearer. This creates a nice seat for baby to sit in, allows for easier back carries, transferring baby from one wearer to another (without taking baby out of the carrier) and also can be used to pre-load baby into the carrier

Weight limit of 45 lbs

Gemini

Base snaps down to allow baby to face out while in the front carry position